Oregon General Assistance Program (GA)
Short-term cash & housing help
What it pays or provides
General Assistance gives you up to $649 a month toward housing, $109 a month for utilities, and $73 a month in cash -- plus free help filling out your SSI application and appealing an SSI denial if you get one.
Who qualifies
You need to be homeless or at risk of homelessness, age 18 to 64, without minor children living with you, and have a severe disability that meets Social Security's disability criteria. You'll also need to be getting Presumptive Medicaid, meet SSI's other eligibility rules, apply for SSI (and appeal if you're denied), and sign an agreement letting the state be repaid from your SSI back pay once it comes through.
How other benefits affect it
This program is meant to bridge the gap while your SSI application is pending -- once SSI comes through, the state is repaid from your back pay under the agreement you sign when you're approved.
How to apply
You can't apply for General Assistance on your own -- a community partner refers you into the program. Call 1-866-535-8431 or email dbl.referral@odhsoha.oregon.gov to ask about a referral and get connected with ODHS Aging and People with Disabilities.
Go to the official page →or call 1-866-535-8431
Sources
- ODHS General Assistance Program
- Official rule text “provides short-term financial help for individuals with severe disabilities who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.” (checked July 5, 2026)
- Official rule text “Up to $649 per month in housing assistance $109 in utility assistance per month $73 in cash assistance per month” (checked July 5, 2026)
- Official rule text “Have a severe disability that meets Social Security disability criteria” (checked July 19, 2026)